﻿46 Analysis of the Coprolites of Birds. 



Art. V. — Analysis of Coprolites from the New Red San 

 formation of New England; by Samuel L. Dana, M 

 with remarks by Prof, Hitchcock.* 



Lowell, September 22, 1843. 

 Prof. Hitchcock, 



Dear Sir — I received a few days ago the sample of supposed 

 coprolite. I set about Its analysis immediately, feeling no small 

 interest in the results. I send you those at which I have arrived. 

 The quantity however which I received, was too small to allow 

 me to verify some of the results by repetition, which I shall do 

 when I may have another sample. 



Wate 



of ammonia, 



1030 



Chloride of sodium, - '51 



Sulphates of lime and magnesia, - 1*75 



Phosphate of lime and magnesia, - 39 60 



Carbonate of lime, - 3477 

 Silicates, ----- 



13.07 



100- 



These results authorize the conclusion, that this substance is 

 coprolite. The evidence of the existence of urate of ammonia 

 is not as satisfactory as one could wish. It is this, 



1. Removing the muriates by alcohol, the insoluble mass was 

 largely digested in water. This last was treated by nitrate of 

 silver, which produced general turbidness; which was followed 

 by a purple red precipitate, which remained unchanged in color 

 for twenty four hours. This precipitate heated in a platina 

 spoon did not melt, but left a filmy scoria, which, under a mag- 

 nifier, appeared to contain metallic globules — doubtless reduced 

 silver. These characters belong to urate of ammonia. 



2. Having treated another portion with alcohol, it was then 

 boiled with water; the solution evaporated, before it became dry, 

 distinct globules of yellowish liquor collected around the upper 

 edge of the evaporating dish, and pushing the operation to dry- 

 ness, a yellow crust remained, which solved with effervescence 



* The letters of Dr. Dana formed part of the Report on Fossil Footmarks by 

 Prof. Hitchcock, to be found in Vol. xlvii, p. 292; but for want of room their pub- 

 lication was postponed to the present time. 



